Hardin Operations Lead
The University of Iowa Libraries is seeking to hire a Library Operations Lead (Senior Library Associate classification, PLC2/3A) at Hardin Library for the Health Sciences. The Library Operations Lead coordinates day-to-day operations that support public services, staffing, facilities, and service continuity at Hardin Library. This position supervises Professional & Scientific staff, Merit staff, as well as student employees who support core service operations, including interlibrary loan (ILL), reference desk coverage, and other public-facing services, and serves as a key operational partner to the Assistant Director in maintaining consistent, user-centered library services. In addition to overseeing service operations, this position provides direct coverage at public service points as needed to support user services and maintain service continuity.
The Library Operations Lead manages workflows and staffing related to service points, facilities operations, resource sharing support, and building services in partnership with the Assistant Director to ensure effective delivery of services across library spaces. Serving as Hardin Library’s facilities coordinator, this position develops and maintains operational procedures, workflows, and practices that support organizational effectiveness and enhance the user experience. This role supervises 4 staff members and 6-12 student workers. Evening and weekend coverage may be required to support staffing needs, service continuity, direct service desk coverage, and library operations.
KEY AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITIES AND SPECIFIC JOB TASKS
Acquire, Organize, Digitize, Preserve, and Provide Information Resources and Services
• Coordinate workflows and operational practices that support access to library resources, services, and spaces.
• Provide oversight and guidance for resource sharing workflows and service continuity, including backup support and escalation for complex issues as needed.
• Collaborate with staff and partners to identify workflow improvements and resolve service issues involving university offices, vendors, and partner libraries.
• Maintain operational documentation and procedures that support consistent service delivery.
Instruction, Consultation, and Public Services
• Coordinate daily public service operations, including service desk activities and staffing coverage.
• Collaborate with the Assistant Director, librarian staff, and operational staff to maintain evening and weekend service coverage and continuity.
• Provide operational guidance and escalation support for circulation, resource sharing, and public service issues.
• Support outreach, communication, and service initiatives that enhance user access and experience.
• Assist library users with directional, reference, circulation, and technology support, including referrals to appropriate campus and library resources.
• Supports users in person, virtually, and by phone using clear, patient, and professional communication.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours required.
Leadership/Staff and Resource Management/Financial Responsibility
• Manage daily operational activities for public-facing services, staffing coordination, and facilities-related functions.
• Provide functional and administrative supervision for merit staff, student employees, graduate assistants, and/or Professional & Scientific staff, including hiring, scheduling, training, coaching, performance management, and oversight to ensure effective operations and compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Serve as facilities coordinator by monitoring library spaces, coordinating building-related concerns, and responding to facility and security issues.
• Develop and maintain operational procedures, documentation, and training resources that support service consistency and cross-training.
• Collaborate with Hardin leadership to establish operational priorities, support planning efforts, and recommend improvements related to staffing, facilities, and services.
• Exercise judgment in interpreting operational policies, resolving service issues, and making decisions that support effective service delivery.
Continuous Learning & Skills Development
• Maintain current knowledge of library operations, supervision, facilities coordination, and service practices.
• Stay informed regarding emerging trends and best practices that strengthen operational effectiveness and user services.
• Participate in professional development and support learning activities that promote continuous improvement and organizational resilience.
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree or an equivalent combination of education and related work experience.
• Minimum of one-year related experience in a lead or supervisory role.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively and professionally with a variety of user populations.
• Proficient experience using technology; hardware (PCs, printers, scanners, etc.) and software (Microsoft Office Suite, common web browsers, etc.). Ability to learn new technology as required for the position.
• Supervisory experience, including hiring, training, scheduling, coaching, and performance management of staff and/or student employees.
• Ability to troubleshoot and resolve operational and service issues, exercising sound judgement and decision making.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, library users, and campus partners.
Desired/Preferred Qualifications:
• Ability to efficiently learn and perform technical and complex tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Ability to organize and prioritize work effectively.
• Experience working in an academic health sciences or research library environment.
• Experience coordinating day-to-day operations, workflows, or service delivery in a complex service environment.
• Experience supporting technology troubleshooting for users (e.g., printers, computers, access tools, online resources).
Application Details:
Applications are only accepted through the Jobs@UIOWA website.
In order to be eligible for interview, applicants must upload the following and mark them as “relevant files” when you upload the documents:
1. Cover letter that clearly addresses how you meet each of the required and any desired qualifications of this position. To ensure strongest consideration, applicants are encouraged to review all required qualifications and state directly how they meet each of them.
2. Current resume
This job ad will be posted for a minimum of 7 days and may be removed from posting and filled any time after that date.
Please contact andrea-rost@uiowa.edu if you have any questions about the position.
The hiring salary range for this Senior Library Associate position is $45,500 - $52,000 based on experience.
Successful candidates will be required to self-disclose any conviction history and will be subject to a criminal background check and credential/education verification. Up to 5 professional references will be requested at a later step in the recruitment process.
This position is not eligible for University sponsorship for employment authorization.
Joining the University of Iowa means becoming a vital part of the Hawkeye community, where your work directly impacts education, research, and student success. Enjoy exceptional health coverage, university-paid life insurance, robust retirement plans, and generous leave policies. Benefit from 24/7 support services, well-being resources, and access to UI Health Care specialists. Grow professionally with advanced training, leadership development, and tuition assistance. Iowa City offers a great quality of life with world-class performances at Hancher Auditorium, Big Ten athletics, top-ranked public schools, and outdoor recreation.
Join us in making a difference at a leading Big Ten university and premier public research institution.
Equal opportunity employer
The University of Iowa is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, pregnancy (including childbirth and related conditions), disability, genetic information, status as a U.S. veteran, service in the U.S. military, sexual orientation, or associational preferences.
Persons with disabilities who need assistance or accommodations with the application or interview process may contact University Human Resources/Faculty and Staff Disability Services, (319) 335-2660 or fsds@uiowa.edu. For jobs in UI Health care, please contact UI Health care Leave & Disability Administration at 319-356-7543.
